For a number of years James Ballantyne conducted and printed the _Edinburgh Weekly Journal_, with a degree of spirit and good taste which the public did not fail to appreciate. This paper began originally in 1744, and was edited, about 1767, by William Smellie, well known in the printing profession and first editor of the “Encyclopædia Britannica.” In 1806 the paper was exposed for sale, when Mr. Blackwood and another offered £1830 for it, but it became the property of James Ballantyne and Walter Scott for £1850, and under their joint ownership was one of the most influential papers of the time.[36] “Christopher North,” in an early number of _Blackwood’s Magazine_, characterised the _Journal_ as “one of the best principled and best written newspapers in Scotland.” During James Ballantyne’s editorship it was noted also for its theatrical criticisms, the work of the editor, who had previously contributed similar articles to the _Edinburgh Evening Courant_. His brother John looked after the musical notices, being considered one of the best critics of the day in this special direction. Scott furnished many articles for its columns, such as “The Visionary,” in December 1819 and January 1820, three essays on popular doctrines or delusions of the time, afterwards collected into a pamphlet which had a large sale; and also the Malachi Malagrowther Letters, already referred to, which also appeared in pamphlet form. James Ballantyne continued to be editor of the _Weekly Journal_ till his death in 1833. His successor was Thomas Aird, the author of many poems and prose articles which first appeared in _Blackwood’s Magazine_, and the valued friend of Thomas Carlyle; but he held the post only for a short time, being chosen editor of the _Dumfries Herald_, then newly started. The _Journal_ continued to be printed at Paul’s Work till 1844, when it was again sold. It ceased to exist in 1848, its last editor being Theodore Williams. The following letter from Scott to Ballantyne refers to a strike among the men, regarding some extra work in connection with the _Journal_, which they had refused to do unless at a higher rate than usual:— “DEAR JAMES,—I heard of your mutiny. We will help you all we can, and I advise you to stand firm, and punish ringleaders. The men are fools. The work would be easily printed in London. I return two Bellendon books—‘History of James VI.,’ and ‘Melville’s Memoirs,’ borrowed from you by yours truly, W. SCOTT. “EDINBURGH, _Saturday_.”